Serological and Bacteriological Surveillance of Glanders Among Horses in Central Region of Iran.
Authors: Dehghan Rahimabadi Peyman, Nazari Alireza, Kamyabi Mostafa, Mosavari Nader
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Glanders Surveillance in Iranian Horse Populations Glanders, caused by *Burkholderia mallei*, remains a significant threat to equine health in Iran due to its chronic nature and capacity for prolonged shedding between horses; this cross-sectional serological and bacteriological study examined 517 horses across Tehran and Alborz provinces to establish current infection prevalence and diagnostic reliability. Researchers employed complement fixation testing (CFT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) on serum samples, with seropositive cases confirmed via the Mallein test, whilst nasal, ocular and cutaneous discharge samples from symptomatic animals underwent bacterial culture and PCR analysis. Only 1.35% of the surveyed population returned positive results across all three serological tests; notably, *B. mallei* was successfully cultured and PCR-confirmed in just 42.85% of these seropositive cases, highlighting a substantial discrepancy between seropositivity and active infection. Farriers and equine practitioners should be aware that serology alone—even with multiple complementary tests—may not reliably confirm active glanders, and culture-PCR confirmation remains essential for definitive diagnosis; furthermore, the endemic status in Iran underscores the importance of periodic serological screening programmes and strict quarantine protocols to prevent disease spread within susceptible populations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Glanders remains endemic in central Iran with a prevalence of 1.35%; regular serological surveillance is essential for detecting infected horses in affected regions
- •Serological tests alone (CFT, iELISA, Mallein) should be confirmed with bacterial culture and PCR, as culture success was only 42.85% despite seropositivity
- •Horses showing fever, nasal/ocular discharge, subcutaneous abscesses, and lymphadenopathy warrant immediate glanders investigation and quarantine to prevent spread to other horses
Key Findings
- •1.35% of 517 serum samples from horses in Tehran and Alborz provinces tested positive for B. mallei by CFT, iELISA, and Mallein test
- •B. mallei was successfully cultured and confirmed by PCR in only 42.85% of seropositive cases
- •Seven horses exhibited clinical signs including fever, anorexia, dyspnea, subcutaneous abscesses, and lymphadenopathy consistent with glanders